Alternative commencement weekend accommodations offered

February 21, 2005

In an effort to provide convenient, low-cost accommodations for commencement weekend, Student Programs' Conference and Guest Services is pleased to provide residence hall space for families and guests of graduates.

"Commencement guests frequently remark that staying in the residence halls takes the stress out if this important weekend in their and their student's lives," said Joey Wilkerson, conferences coordinator. "Once here, they don't have to spend their time figuring out parking and dining details, they can just enjoy themselves. For many, it's a nostalgic experience."

The commencement weekend lodging package includes a single- or double-occupancy room, dinner Friday evening, and breakfast Saturday morning. Guests may elect to stay overnight Saturday at no additional charge. The single-occupancy package is $75. The double-occupancy package is $110. Children under 18 may stay for free in a parent's room. Every effort is made to assign families to adjacent rooms.

Commencement dinner is served from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 13, at D2. This all-you-care-to-eat dining facility, which opened in fall 2004 to great enthusiasm, is an international marketplace. It is comprised of eight shops: Salsas, with Mexican fare; Pan Asia, with wok-prepared Asian selections; Gauchos, featuring skewered meats and other Brazilian items; Mangia, with Italian pastas and more; Eden's, with fresh vegetables and salads; East Side Deli, with made-to-order sandwiches; Olives, featuring Mediterranean vegan selections; and La Patisserie, with pastries and desserts. Each guest who purchases a commencement lodging package is issued a meal card, which includes admission to this all-you-care-to-eat dinner in D2.

Deet's, a gourmet coffee, ice cream, and pastry shop, is open from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 13, and from 6:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 14, for commencement guests' convenience.

Additional meals may be purchased for children over the age of 6, other guests not staying on campus, and Virginia Tech students. Children 6 and under eat for free. To purchase additional meals, guests may either include their orders with their reservations or pay with cash at the dining centers. Graduating seniors who live on campus are Virginia Tech's guests for dinner and breakfast. Their dining plans are extended to include dinner and breakfast at D2. Graduates will be required to show their Hokie Passport IDs to receive these meals for free.

Advance reservations are required and full payment is due at the time the reservation is made. The deadline for reservations is Friday, April 22, or until available space is taken. Space is limited. To make a reservation, go to the student programs site or call (540) 231-5721 to request an order form. Registrants are contacted with their confirmation, building assignments, and other pertinent information during the first week of May. For more information, contact Student Programs at (540) 231-5721 or e-mail, or visit this site.